A bed, bed assembly method, and bed usage method

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to a bed comprising: •a support frame ( 2 ); •a bed frame ( 9 ) having a proximal and distal end opposite to each other; •a support and motion system configured to support and move the bed frame relative to the support frame, and comprising: •a first support ( 30 ) that is moveable along the support frame, and is connected to the proximal end; •a support beam ( 50 ); •a second support ( 40 ) that is moveable along the support frame, and is connected to an end of the support beam, wherein an opposite end of the support beam is connected to the bed frame at a position in between the proximal and distal end; and •an actuator system ( 31,41 ) to independently move the first and second support along the support frame allowing the bed frame to be positioned in orientations parallel and perpendicular to the support frame.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention in general relates to beds, in particular to beds having additional functionality to aid disabled and/or needy people.

Beds come in different types and configurations. A distinction can be made between transportable beds such as hospital beds and stationary beds which are not configured to be moved regularly to transport a person in the bed. Hospital beds can further easily be distinguished from other beds due to their complex functionalities to adapt the shape of the bed from lying flat in a substantially horizontal orientation to tilted orientations and even to sitting up right.

For hospital beds, the functionalities of the bed relating to transport of patients and easy cleaning of the bed clearly have the highest priority while appearance of the hospital bed is of less importance.

For stationary beds used in most bed rooms, the required functionalities are usually limited to lying flat in a substantially horizontal orientation and possibly a relax position for reading/TV watching in which the upper body is tilted upwards and optionally the knees can be lifted upwards. Due to the limited functionalities, the appearance and design of a stationary bed can be given more attention which is advantageous as the bed is a prominent object in almost every bed room.

However, due to a deteriorating condition of a person, e.g. as a result of aging or illness, the situation may require additional functionalities not provided for by normal beds. Although hospital beds are able to provide the additional functionalities, a hospital bed at home puts too much emphasis on the undesired situation of the person, especially when there is a desire to put the bed in a living room to involve the person in social activities and/or daily events of the family.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved bed having additional or alternative functionalities with respect to a normal bed which draws little attention to the additional or alternative functionalities.

To achieve this object, there is provided a bed comprising:

-   -   a vertically extending support frame;     -   a bed frame having a proximal end and a distal end opposite to         the proximal end, wherein the bed frame is configured to support         a mattress;     -   a support and motion system configured to support the bed frame         with respect to the support frame and configured to move the bed         frame relative to the support frame,     -   wherein the support and motion system comprises:         -   a first support that is moveable along the support frame,             which first support is connected to the proximal end of the             bed frame;         -   a support beam;         -   a second support that is moveable along the support frame,             which second support is connected to an end of the support             beam, and wherein an opposite end of the support beam is             connected to the bed frame at a location in between the             proximal end and the distal end; and         -   an actuator system to independently move the first and             second support along the support frame allowing the bed             frame to be positioned in an orientation perpendicular to             the support frame and an orientation perpendicular to the             support frame.

An advantage of this bed is that it is fully supported at the proximal side of the bed without the use of legs, so that the space below the bed frame is substantially free. This allows to position the bed frame over other furniture, but also allows to easily clean below the bed frame.

As both the first and second support are independently moveable relative to the support frame, the height of the bed frame above the ground can be easily adjusted. For instance, it can be set to a relatively low height to allow a person to easily get in and out of the bed, or it can be set to a height suitable for caregivers to assist the person in the bed while standing and without risking back injury.

A further advantage is that the bed occupies a relatively small space when the bed frame is parallel to the support frame and can for instance be hidden in a closet or cabinet when the bed is not used.

In an embodiment, the support frame has a lower end to be positioned on the ground and an upper end opposite the lower end, wherein in the parallel orientation the first support is at or near the upper end of the support frame and the second support is in between the first support and the lower end of the support frame.

An advantage of this embodiment is that a sleeping area, i.e. a lying surface of a mattress supported by the bed frame faces away from the support frame, so that a person lying in the bed when the orientation of the bed frame is perpendicular to the support frame can be moved to an upright position to easily get out of bed by moving the bed frame towards the orientation in which the bed frame is parallel to the support frame.

In an embodiment, the bed frame comprises one or more stationary mattress support elements to support the mattress. Stationary in this context means that the mattress support elements are only moveable by the support and motion system that moves the bed frame in its entirety.

In an embodiment, the bed frame comprises one or more moveable mattress support elements to support the mattress. Moveable in this context means that the mattress support elements are moveable independent of the support and motion system.

In an embodiment, the bed frame comprises:

-   -   a stationary mattress support for supporting the hips of a         person;     -   a moveable mattress support for supporting the upper body of a         person;     -   a moveable mattress support for supporting the upper legs of a         person; and     -   a moveable mattress support for supporting the lower legs of a         person.

Preferably, the moveable mattress support for supporting the upper body of a person is arranged at the proximal end of the bed frame.

In an embodiment, the one or more moveable mattress support elements are combined with a bed shape adjustment system configured to set a shape of the mattress supported by the one or more moveable mattress support elements by positioning the one or more moveable mattress support elements, respectively. An advantage thereof is that the person can be supported in different orientations, e.g. an orientation with a raised upper body and/or with a raised lower body.

In combination with the proximal end of the bed frame being moved towards the upper end of the support frame while the distal end of the bed frame is moved towards the ground, the one or more moveable mattress support elements can be used to allow a person to easily get in and out of the bed, e.g. in a sitting or nearly standing orientation with its feet more or less below its center of gravity.

A further advantage may be that the mattress may be shaped and oriented to mimic a chair for interaction with surrounding people while sitting, wherein the person does not have to leave the bed. A particular advantage is that the feet of the person sitting in the bed can be positioned close to the ground so that the person in the bed is at substantially the same level as the surrounding people sitting in normal chairs, which provides normal social interaction.

In an embodiment, the one or more moveable mattress support elements are combined with a bed pressure adjustment system configured to adjust pressure areas of the mattress supported by the one or more moveable mattress support elements and used to support a person lying in the bed by positioning the one or more moveable mattress support elements, respectively. An advantage thereof is that by regularly adjusting the pressure areas of the mattress, pressure ulcers may be prevented.

The bed shape adjustment system and the bed pressure adjustment system may also be combined. Preferably, an array of moveable mattress support elements is provided where the bed shape adjustment system is configured to adjust the position of one or more groups of moveable mattress support elements to shape the mattress while the bed pressure adjustment system positions individual mattress support elements within the group of moveable mattress support elements to adjust pressure areas of the mattress. Hence, in a preferred embodiment, the bed pressure adjustment system adjusts the position of a moveable mattress support element within a moving range superimposed on a moving range provided by the bed shape adjustment system. In that case, the moving range provided by the bed shape adjustment system is larger than the moving range provided by the bed pressure adjustment system.

In an embodiment, a length of the bed frame is adjustable. An advantage thereof is that the bed can be used with mattresses having different lengths, which may be advantageous in order to adjust the length of the bed frame to the length of a person lying in the bed and/or to adjust the length of the bed frame to the available space.

In an embodiment, the length of the bed frame is adjustable by adjusting a length of a portion of the bed frame at the distal end of the bed frame configured to support the lower legs of a person. This provides the additional advantage that when the bed is used to help a person getting out of bed by bringing the person to a (nearly) standing position, a distance between the distal end of the bed frame and the feet of the person can be reduced considerably, thereby making the step of getting out of bed easier. Preferably, the distance between distal end of the bed frame and the feet of the person is zero or nearly zero.

Being able to reduce the distance between the distal end of the bed frame and the feet of the person in the bed to nearly zero, preferably zero, is also advantageous when the bed is used to mimic a chair as mentioned before as it helps to provide the person in the bed with their feet (almost) on the ground thereby providing the person at substantially the same level as people around the bed sitting in normal chairs and also having their feet on the ground.

In an embodiment, when the length of the bed frame is adjustable, a smallest length of the bed frame is at most 1.70 m, preferably at most 1.80 m and more preferably at most 1.90 m, and wherein a largest length of the bed frame is at least 1.90 m, preferably at least 2.00 m and more preferably at least 2.10 m.

In an embodiment, when the length of the bed frame is fixed, the length of the bed frame allows to support a mattress having a length of 1.90 m, 2.00 m, 2.10 m or 2.20 m.

In an embodiment, the bed comprises a footboard at the distal end of the bed frame for delimiting a mattress at the distal end of the bed frame, wherein the footboard is moveable to adjust the length of the bed frame. This allows a person to be supported by the footboard while being positioned in a sitting position or (nearly) standing position to get out of bed.

In an embodiment, the adjustability of the length of the bed frame is part of the bed shape adjustment system, e.g. when a moveable or stationary mattress support is adjustable in length.

In an embodiment, the bed comprises a control unit to drive one or more of the following systems:

-   -   the support and motion system;     -   the bed shape adjustment system; and     -   the bed pressure shape adjustment system.

It is explicitly noted here that the control unit may comprise separate control devices, each control device being dedicated to a specific function. For instance, the control unit may comprise a control device to drive the support and motion system, another control device to drive the bed shape adjustment system and/or a further control device to drive the bed pressure shape adjustment system when applicable.

In an embodiment, the control unit is also configured to control the length of the bed frame. This may for instance be implemented using a separate control device dedicated to this function.

In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to communicate, preferably wirelessly communicate with a device allowing a person to provide user input to the control unit. The device may be an external device such as a mobile device, e.g. a tablet, mobile phone.

In an embodiment, the bed comprises a mattress supported by the bed frame. This may be a standard mattress, but may also be a dedicated mattress specifically fabricated for this bed. Preferably, the bed is configured to accommodate both types of mattress.

In an embodiment, the mattress comprises a portion configured to support the lower legs of a person, which portion of the mattress has an adjustable length, preferably as a result of having alternating transverse cuts at a lower side of the mattress facing towards the bed frame and at an upper side of the mattress opposite the lower side. This allows the mattress to easily adjust its length to the length of the bed frame without introducing too much deformation in the mattress.

The transverse cuts provide room to easily compress the mattress portion, but at the same time allow the mattress portion to be stretched without introducing too much deformation. As such the portion of the mattress having an adjustable length has an equilibrium length allowing to easily increase and decrease the length of the mattress between a minimal length and a maximal length with the equilibrium length in between the minimal and maximal length.

Preferably, the other portions of the mattress which support the main part of the weight of a person lying on the mattress do not have the transverse cuts as the cuts provide a weakening of the mattress which can be allowed at the location of the lower legs as these are relatively light weight, but may not be allowed at other locations having to support a relatively large weight.

It is noted here that the transverse cuts are not the only solution to providing adjustability of the length of the mattress. Other solutions as a different material having different material properties are also envisaged.

In an embodiment, the mattress comprises a lower mattress and a separate top mattress, wherein a thickness of the lower mattress is significantly larger than a thickness of the top mattress. An advantage thereof is that the lower and top mattresses may be designed for different functions, e.g. the lower mattress may be designed for providing a stable support of a person lying on the bed, while the top mattress may be designed for providing comfort to the person lying on the bed.

In an embodiment, the mattress is provided with one or more sensors configured to measure temperature, pressure, humidity and/or deformation of the mattress. Preferably, the one or more sensors are provided in the top mattress of the mattress.

In an embodiment, the bed comprises one or more sensors monitoring the surroundings of the bed frame to ensure safe movement of the bed frame relative to the support frame. An example thereof are proximity sensors below the bed frame which monitor if objects or persons are present below the bed frame while lowering the bed frame. When an object or person is detected, further movement of the bed frame may be stopped and a warning sign may be given to the person operating the bed.

The one or more sensors may be connected to the control unit to output measurement data to the control unit allowing to provide warning signs to the person in the bed or to other persons such as caregivers or people watching over the person in bed.

An example thereof is that pressure sensors in the mattress will be able to detect the presence of a person on the bed, to detect the person leaving the bed, e.g. for going to the toilet, and to determine how much time passes before the person returns, if the person returns at all. Hence, a warning may be send to caregivers if the person does not return within a predetermined time period.

The output measurement data provided to the control unit may be used to automatically adjust the bed, for instance by measuring the pressure areas used to support a person lying in the bed and to correspondingly drive the bed pressure adjustment system to adjust the pressure areas, wherein the one or more sensors can also be used to measure the adjustment of the pressure areas and provide feedback to the control system about the result of the adjustment. In this way, pressure ulcers may be automatically prevented.

In an embodiment, the bed frame comprises a first portion connected to the support frame via the first support, the support beam and the second support, and a second portion configured to support a mattress, wherein the first portion and the second portion are releasably connected to each other.

An advantage of dividing the bed frame into a first portion and a second portion is that the assembly of the bed frame is much easier.

In an embodiment, the second portion of the bed frame is provided with a supporting system to support the second portion of the bed frame from the ground when the second portion is not connected to the first portion of the bed frame. Preferably, the supporting system comprises wheels for easy transport of the second portion of the bed frame, e.g. to another room or location. The supporting system may be height adjustable. Hence, in this case, the bed may be a transportable bed, wherein the second portion of the bed frame including the supporting system is the transportable part of the bed. Transportation may be advantageous, for instance in a hospital, to transport a patient to another room, e.g. an operating room.

In an embodiment, the first and second support can be positioned by the actuator system in a coupling and decoupling orientation in which the first portion of the bed frame is positioned in an orientation perpendicular to the support frame and at a predetermined height, wherein the supporting system of the second portion of the bed frame is configured to allow the second portion of the bed frame to be positioned in a coupling and decoupling position at the same predetermined height as the first portion of the bed frame, and wherein the second portion of the bed frame is moveable in a direction perpendicular to the support frame parallel to a longitudinal direction of the first portion of the bed frame in the coupling and decoupling orientation between a coupled position in which the first and second portion can be releasably connected to each other and in a decoupled position in which the first and second portion are separated from each other.

It is envisaged that a building, e.g. a hospital is provided with a plurality of similar beds, wherein the second portions of the respective bed frames can be connected to each support frame when required, so that moving a patient through the building, e.g. from a hospital room to an operating room and subsequently from an operating room to a recovery room, and eventually from the recovery room to a ward, the patient does not necessarily have to leave the bed and the second portion of the bed frame can be coupled to a corresponding support frame in each of the rooms. The second portion of the bed frame may even be used to transport the patient to its home and be coupled to a temporarily installed support frame over there.

In the above described embodiments in which the bed frame comprises a first portion and a second portion, the second portion of the bed frame preferably comprises one or more of the following features also described earlier:

-   -   one or more moveable mattress support elements;     -   bed shape adjustment system;     -   bed pressure adjustment system;     -   adjustable length;     -   footboard;     -   control unit.

Preferably, the support and motion system is provided at, on or near the support frame.

Although the bed according to the invention may be embodied as a stationary bed or as a transportable bed, the invention may very well be limited to either stationary beds or transportable beds.

In case the first and second portion of the bed frames are separable for transportation, the control unit may well have to be separable as well to allow control of the support and motion system and to allow control of the features and functions on the second portion of the bed frame after separation. Providing a separable control unit is preferably done using separate control devices as mentioned earlier. Preferably, after connecting, i.e. coupling, the second portion of the bed frame to the first portion of the bed frame, the control devices are connected to each other as well, e.g. wirelessly, to form the control unit and provide full control over the bed.

Although the bed above is described in assembled state, the bed may be configured such that it can easily be assembled and disassembled, e.g. for rental purposes. Hence, the invention also specifically relates to the collection of parts of the bed according to the invention in non-assembled state.

The invention also relates to a method for assembling a bed according to the invention, comprising the following steps:

-   -   a) mounting the support frame to a support structure; and     -   b) subsequently mounting the support and motion system and the         bed frame to the support frame.

An advantage of this order of assembling is that the bed can be easily transported and can be assembled on site instead of pre-assembling the entire bed and only installing the bed on site.

In an embodiment, the support frame is mounted to the support structure via a temporary connection. This allows the bed to be temporarily used only for the time it is necessary and subsequently be removed for uses elsewhere.

In an embodiment, the method for assembling further comprises building a cabinet around the support frame allowing the bed to be hidden in the cabinet when the bed frame is in a parallel orientation with respect to the support frame.

The invention also relates to a method for using a bed according to the invention, comprising the following steps:

-   -   a) providing the bed frame parallel to the support frame; and     -   b) moving the bed frame to the orientation perpendicular to the         support frame.

In an embodiment, the method comprises the positioning of the bed frame perpendicular to the support frame at a height suitable for a person to get in or out of the bed.

In an embodiment, the method comprises the positioning of the bed frame perpendicular to the support frame at a height suitable for another person interacting with the person in bed.

In an embodiment, the method comprises the step of moving the bed frame to the orientation parallel to the support frame after usage of the bed.

In an embodiment, the bed frame is positioned into an inclined orientation with the distal end at or near the ground, and the mattress is shaped into a chair to allow a person on the bed to sit upright.

In an embodiment, the bed frame is positioned into an inclined orientation with the distal end at or near the ground, and the mattress is shaped such that the feet of a person on the mattress are positioned substantially below a center of gravity of the person and such that the person is in a nearly standing position to allow the person to get in and out of the bed.

In an embodiment, the bed comprises one or more sensors obtaining measurement data of the use of the bed and/or of the person in the bed, wherein the obtained measurement data is stored, preferably at a remote location.

The measurement data subsequently can be used to optimize the design of next generation beds and/or to optimize the use of already commissioned beds via e.g. a software update or accessories.

The measurement data may also provide a medical record of the person in the bed during the time periods the person was in the person and may be used to optimize caregiving of the person in the future or of other persons having similar conditions or situations.

It is explicitly mentioned here that features described in relation to one aspect of the invention may also apply to other aspects of the invention as well, where applicable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described in a non-limiting way with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like parts are indicated by like reference symbols and in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a front view of a bed according to an embodiment of the invention when the bed frame is parallel to the support frame;

FIG. 2 depicts a side view of the bed of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 depicts a side view of the bed of FIG. 1 when the bed frame has an inclined orientation relative to the support frame;

FIG. 4 depicts a side view of the bed of FIG. 1 when the bed frame is perpendicular to the support frame and supports a mattress;

FIG. 5A depicts a side view of the bed of FIG. 4 when the mattress has been shaped to a relax position;

FIG. 5B depicts in detail a portion of the mattress;

FIG. 6 depicts a side view of the bed of FIG. 3 with the moveable mattress support elements in a position corresponding to a sitting position;

FIG. 7A depicts a perspective view of the bed of FIG. 6;

FIG. 7B depicts a detail of the bed of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8A depicts a perspective view of the bed frame of the bed of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8B depicts a side view of the bed frame of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 8C depicts a perspective view of the bed frame of the FIG. 8A in an extended configuration;

FIG. 9 schematically depicts a control scheme for controlling operation of the bed of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 schematically depicts a top view of a bed according to another embodiment of the invention stored in a cabinet;

FIG. 11 schematically depicts a side view of a bed according to a further embodiment of the invention with a first and second portion of the bed frame in a coupling and decoupling orientation; and

FIG. 12 schematically depicts a side view of the bed of FIG. 11 with the first portion of the bed frame in an orientation parallel to the support frame and the second portion of the bed frame in a transport mode.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1-8C depict a bed 1 or portions thereof according to an embodiment of the invention.

The bed 1 comprises a, in use, vertically extending support frame 2, which is best seen in FIG. 7A. In this embodiment, the support frame 2 comprises two vertically extending posts 3, 5 interconnected at three locations by plate elements 7. These plate elements 7 may advantageously be used to mount the support frame to a support structure such as a wall.

Alternatively or additionally, the support frame 2 may be mounted to a floor and/or ceiling of a room as support structures in order to transfer the loads applied to the bed 1 to constructional elements of a building. Hence, preferably, the support frame is clamped in between the floor and ceiling of a room while also being fixed to a wall.

The bed 1 further comprises a bed frame 9, which is best seen in FIGS. 7A and 8A. The bed frame 9 in this embodiment comprises two beams 11 extending in longitudinal direction of the bed frame 9, and two beams 13 extending in a transverse direction of the bed frame 9.

The bed frame 9 further includes mattress supports 15, 16, 17, 18 to support a mattress 20, which mattress is only depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5A. The mattress support 15 is configured to support a mattress portion 20 a arranged to support the upper body of a person, mattress support 16 is configured to support a mattress portion 20 b arranged to support the hips of a person, mattress support 17 is configured to support a mattress portion 20 c arranged to support the upper legs of a person, and mattress support 18 is configured to support a mattress portion 20 d arranged to support the lower legs of a person.

The bed frame 9 has a proximal end 9 a and a distal end 9 b opposite to the proximal end 9 a, wherein the proximal end 9 a corresponds to the head side of the bed 1 which remains close to the support frame 2, and wherein the distal end 9 b corresponds to the feet side of the bed 1 that can be positioned at a distance from the support frame 2.

In order to support and move the bed frame 9 relative to the support frame 2, a support and motion system is provided, comprising a first support 30 that is moveable along the support frame 2, which first support 30 is connected to the proximal end 9 a of the bed frame 9, and a second support 40 that is moveable along the support frame 2, which second support 40 is connected to an end 50 a of a support beam 50 of which an opposite end 50 b is connected to the bed frame 9 at a position in between the proximal end 9 a and the distal end 9 b. Hence, in this way, although the second support 40 is arranged on the support frame, the second support is able to support the bed frame at a distance from the proximal end 9 a via the support beam 50.

The support and motion system further comprises an actuator system to independently move the first 30 and second 40 support along the support frame 2.

In this embodiment, the support frame 2 comprises two vertically extending posts 3, 5, so that the support and motion system in this embodiment has a first support 30, a second support 40 and support beam 50 associated with each post 3, 5. Hence, the support beam 50 is connected at two locations of the bed frame 9, namely one for each beam 11 of the bed frame 9.

The actuator system comprises an electric drive 31 to drive a shaft 32 with two gears 33 arranged on the first supports 30, which gears 33 engage with a corresponding rack 4, 6 arranged on the posts 3, 5, respectively.

The actuator system comprises an electric drive 41 to drive a shaft 42 with two gears 43 arranged on the second supports 40, which gears 43 engage with the corresponding racks 4, 6 arranged on the posts 3, 5, respectively.

The actuator system allows to move and position the first 30 and second 40 supports thereby adjusting the orientation of the bed frame 9. Possible orientations of the bed frame 9 include an orientation parallel to the support frame 2 as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, an orientation perpendicular to the support frame 2 as depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5A, and any intermediate (inclined) orientation in between the two previously described orientations as for instance depicted in FIGS. 3, 6, and 7A.

The mattress support element 16 is fixed to the bed frame 9. Mattress support 15 is hingedly connected to the bed frame 9 in order to be able to raise mattress portion 20 a thereby raising the upper body of a person lying on the bed. Mattress supports 17 is also hingedly connected to the bed frame 9 in order to raise mattress portion 20 c thereby raising the upper legs of a person lying on the bed.

In this embodiment, to allow movement of the mattress support 17, mattress support 18 is hingedly connected to mattress support 17 indicated by pivot axis 19. However, mattress support 18 is also configured to be raised relative to mattress support 17 to raise mattress portion 20 d in order to raise the lower legs of a person lying on the bed.

The mattress support elements 15, 17, 18 being moveable thus allows to shape the mattress 20. A standard flat shape for sleeping is depicted in FIG. 4. A relax shape in which the lower legs and the upper body are raised as is common for watching TV from the bed or for reading a book is depicted in FIG. 5A. In FIGS. 6 and 7A, the relax shape is combined with an inclined orientation of the bed frame, so that when the mattress support 18 is lowered, i.e. not raised, sitting upright as in a chair is mimicked by the bed. FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C depict a relax shape in which only the knees are bend and raised, but the feet are not raised, in combination with a raised upper body. Combined with an inclined orientation of the bed frame, this shape may mimic a chair or may be used to help a person getting in and out of the bed by positioning the person in a nearly standing orientation.

In order to shape the mattress, i.e. in order to position the moveable mattress support elements 15, 17, 18, the bed frame 9 is provided with a first actuator device 61 to rotate a frame 71 which engages with the mattress support element 15 to set its angle relative to the bed frame beams 11, a second actuator device 62 to rotate a frame 72 which engages with the mattress support element 17 to set its angle relative to the bed frame beams 11, and a third actuator 63 to engage with the mattress support element 18 to set its angle relative to the bed frame beams 11. The first, second and third actuator devices and the frames 71, 72 are all arranged between the bed frame 9 and the respective mattress support elements so that the angle of the mattress support elements 15, 17 can be set independently and the angle of the mattress support element 18 can be set in dependency of the angle of the mattress support element 17.

In this embodiment, the length of the bed frame 9 is adjustable. This allows to match the length of the bed frame to a length of the mattress supported thereby. However, in this particular embodiment, a length of the mattress 20 itself is also adjustable.

The mattress 20 comprises a top mattress 21 and a separate lower mattress 22, wherein a thickness tt of the top mattress 21 is significantly smaller than a thickness tl of the lower mattress 22.

A portion of the mattress 20, which portion is supported by the mattress support element 18, is depicted in more detail in FIG. 5B. The portion 20 d of the mattress is provided with transverse cuts 23 in both the top mattress 21 and the lower mattress 22. Only a few cuts have been given a reference numeral. The cuts 23 are alternatingly arranged at a lower side of the top and lower mattress 21, 22 facing towards the bed frame 9 and at an upper side of the top and lower mattress opposite the lower side.

The cuts 23 allow the portion 20 d of the mattress 20 to be stretched and/or compressed without introducing significant deformation of the mattress 20. The length of the mattress is thereby easily adjustable and can be matched to the length of the bed frame.

The lower mattress 22 is further provided with a relatively large transverse cut 24 at the transition between mattress portion 20 d and mattress portion 20 c, so that point 25 of the lower mattress where the cut 24 ends can be positioned at the pivot axis 19. As a result thereof rotating the mattress support element 18 relative to mattress support element 17 will not result in much deformation of the mattress itself, although the angular moving range is relatively large.

The length of the bed frame is adjustable by a fourth actuator device 64, which positions footboard 9 c in a substantially longitudinal direction of the bed frame. Footboard 9 c is attached to mattress support element 18 and the mattress 20 is connected to the footboard 9 c, so that the footboard can exert pulling forces to the mattress 20. The footboard 9 c is moveable between a retracted position, in which the length of the mattress and bed frame are minimal, and an extended position, in which the length of the mattress and bed frame are maximal. The retracted position is shown in FIGS. 1-4, 6, 7A, 8A and 8B. The extended position is shown in FIGS. 5A and 8C.

In this embodiment, the footboard 9 c is connected via beams 73 to a safety frame 74 which thereby follows movement of the footboard 9 c. The safety frame 74 ensures that people, children or animals are kept at a distance from the moving distal end 9 b of the bed frame 9 to prevent them from getting stuck between e.g. the moveable mattress support 18 and the bed frame 9.

The first, second and third actuator devices 61, 62, 63 are driven by a bed shape adjustment system. Optionally, the fourth actuator device 64 is also drive by the bed shape adjustment system.

To control operation of the bed, a control unit CU is provided. The connections to the control unit are schematically indicated in FIG. 9.

The control unit CU comprises a processor or the like to process inputs and to provide corresponding outputs based on the inputs. The control unit CU is powered by mains 100.

Input to the control unit CU may come from a dedicated control panel 110 which is part of the bed 1. The control panel 110 may comprise for instance buttons and/or a touch screen allowing to manually input a desired shape of the mattress 20 and/or to input a desired orientation of the bed frame relative to the support frame.

Input may also come from for instance a mobile device 120 in the vicinity of the bed, which pairs with the bed via e.g. Bluetooth or Wifi and which mobile device is provided with an application allowing to provide manual input to the control unit CU.

In both cases, namely the control panel 110 or the mobile device 120, input to the control unit may also be provided via speech.

The control unit may also be connected to an external server or computer 130 via for instance internet allowing software updates, data transfer and/or manual control via a remote device.

Further input may come from one or more sensors provided in e.g. mattress 20 or in the bed frame, e.g. in the form of a tilting sensor or accelerometer. In FIG. 9, only inputs coming from sensors in the mattress 20 have been schematically indicated.

The control unit CU drives the electric drives 31 and 41 in order to position and orient the bed frame relative to the support frame. The control unit further sends an output to the bed shape adjustment system 140, which in turn controls the first to fourth actuator devices 61-64.

By providing the bed, and in particular the mattress, with sensors, the safety and intelligence of the bed may be increased dramatically.

As an example, the bed may be provided with proximity sensors preventing the bed frame to collide with any object and/or person during use.

In another example, the mattress is provided with pressure sensors. The pressure sensors allow to detect the presence of a person in the bed. Further, the weight of the person in the bed may be monitored.

In an embodiment, the pressure sensors are used to monitor a person leaving the bed. Combined with a timer, the return of a person can be monitored, and in case this takes longer than normal or expected, a warning sign may be transmitted to e.g. caregivers which can then check whether the person is okay.

In an embodiment, the pressure sensors can be used to determine the pressure areas used to support a person and based on this information may be used as input to the bed pressure adjustment system to prevent pressure ulcers.

In yet another example, the mattress is provided with temperature sensors to monitor the temperature of the surroundings and/or the temperature of the person in the bed.

In a further example, the mattress is provided with humidity sensors allowing to monitor wetting of the bed due to for instance sweating or urinating.

The bed may be configured to be adapted to the needs and dimensions of a person. Hence, during a calibration and/or setting up of the bed, parameters may be adjusted to optimize the bed for a specific person. These parameters may be stored for future use.

Although only three moveable mattress supports 15, 17, 18 have been described above, it will be apparent to the skilled person that more moveable mattress supports may be provided. In an embodiment, each of the moveable mattress supports 15, 17 and 18, but also the stationary mattress support 16 may each be formed by a group of moveable mattress supports, wherein the groups are controlled by the bed shape adjustment system to shape the mattress and the individual moveable mattress supports within a group are controlled by a bed pressure adjustment system to adjust the pressure areas of the mattress used to support a person lying on the mattress. A group of moveable mattress support may for instance be held by a carrier, wherein the bed shape adjustment system positions the carrier and the bed pressure adjustment system positions the individual moveable mattress supports relative to the carrier.

Although in the shown embodiment, the first and second support 30, 40 of the support and motion system are not able to pass each other as they use the same racks 4,6, an embodiment can be envisaged in which the first and second support are able to pass each other, so that the bed frame can be positioned in two different orientations in which the bed frame is parallel to the support frame. This may require a support beam 50 that has an adjustable length, e.g. by comprising a hydraulic cylinder.

Although support beam 50 may be a beam having a fixed length as in the shown embodiment, a support beam having an adjustable length is also envisaged. In this way, the angle between the support beam and the bed frame while being supported by the support beam may be adjusted for limiting the loads applied to the support beam and the second support.

Although in the shown embodiment, the first and second support of the support and motion system are moveable along the support frame using a rack and pinion kind of configuration, other configurations are also envisaged, e.g. a configuration in which the first and second support are attached to corresponding wires that are hauled in or paid out by corresponding winches, or a configuration in which the first and second support are moved along belts or the like. Alternatively or additionally, hydraulic actuation systems to move the first and second supports may also be used.

Although the support frame has been depicted with two vertically extending posts, the support frame may easily comprise a single vertically extending post to which the bed frame and all other components are connected to.

FIG. 10 schematically depicts a bed 1 according to another embodiment of the invention. The bed 1 is similar to the embodiment described in respect of the FIGS. 1-8C. The bed is shown from above and depicts a support frame 2 with vertically extending posts 3, 5 interconnected by plate element 7.

The bed 1 further comprises a bed frame 9 comprising two beams 11 extending in longitudinal direction of the bed frame 9.

Also shown are electric drives 31 and 41 to position the bed frame 9 between an orientation parallel to the support frame 2 as depicted in FIG. 10 and an orientation perpendicular to the support frame 2.

In the shown orientation parallel to the support frame, the bed 1 occupies a small space seen from above and can be arranged inside a cabinet 200 comprising in this embodiment two doors 201, 202. By opening the doors 201, 202, the bed 1 becomes visible and the bed frame 9 is allowed to move to the perpendicular orientation.

FIGS. 11 and 12 schematically depict a bed 1 according to a further embodiment of the invention. The bed has a similar configuration as the previously depicted beds, so that the features and functions common to the different embodiments will not be described in full detail here again. Where the bed 1 according to FIGS. 11 and 12 differs from the other embodiments, more detail will be given.

The bed 1 comprises a, in use, vertically extending support frame 2 of which only a vertically extending post 5 is visible in FIGS. 11 and 12.

The bed 1 further comprises a bed frame 9, which bed frame 9 comprises a first portion 10 and a second portion 12. The first portion 10 comprises two beams 11 a extending in longitudinal direction of the first portion 10 of the bed frame 9. The second portion 12 of the bed frame 9 comprises in this embodiment two beams 11 b extending in longitudinal direction of the second portion 12 and two beams (not shown) extending in a transverse direction of the second portion 12 of the bed frame 9.

The second portion 12 of the bed frame 9 includes mattress supports to support a mattress 20.

The first portion 10 of the bed frame 9 has a proximal end 10 a and a distal end 10 b opposite to the proximal end 10 a. The second portion 12 of the bed frame 9 has a corresponding proximal end 12 a and a distal end 12 b opposite to the proximal end 12 a. The proximal ends 10 a, 12 a correspond to the head side of the bed 1 which remains close to the support frame 2, and wherein the distal ends 10 b, 12 b correspond to the feet side of the bed 1 that can be positioned at a distance from the support frame 2.

The bed 1 comprises a support and motion system including a first support 30 that is moveable along the support frame 2, which first support 30 is connected to the proximal end 10 a of the first portion 10 of the bed frame 9, and a second support 40 that is moveable along the support frame 2, which second support 40 is connected to an end 50 a of a support beam 50 of which an opposite end 50 b is connected to the first portion 10 of the bed frame 9 at a position in between the proximal end 10 a and the distal end 10 b.

The support and motion system further includes an actuator system to independently move the first 30 and second 40 support along the support frame 2. The actuator system allows to move and position the first 30 and second 40 supports thereby adjusting the orientation of the first portion 10 of the bed frame 9. Possible orientations of the first portion 10 of the bed frame 9 include an orientation parallel to the support frame 2 as depicted in FIG. 12, an orientation perpendicular to the support frame 2 as depicted in FIG. 11, and any intermediate (inclined) orientation in between the two previously described orientations.

The first portion 10 and second portion 12 can be releasably connected to each other, in which case, the beams 11 a and beams 11 b are aligned with each other and connected to each other. The beams 11 a of the first portion may for instance have a U-shaped cross section configured to receive the beams 11 b between the legs of the U-shaped cross section.

The second portion 12 comprises a supporting system 300 including wheels 302 to support the second portion 12 from the ground. The supporting system 300 may be provided as a separate unit on which the second portion 12 is placed when necessary, but the supporting system may also be an integral part of the second portion 12. Preferably, the supporting system 300 is adjustable in height so that the second portion 12 can be supported at different heights from the ground.

In FIG. 11, the first 30 and second 40 supports have been positioned by the actuator system in a coupling and decoupling orientation in which the first portion 10 of the bed frame 9 is positioned in an orientation perpendicular to the support frame and at a predetermined height allowing the second portion 12 to be supported by the supporting system 300 at the same predetermined height. When the first and second portions 10,12 are not connected to each other, the second portion of the bed frame is moveable in a direction perpendicular to the support frame 2 parallel to a longitudinal direction of the first portion 10 of the bed frame 9 between a coupled position in which the first and second portion can be releasably connected to each other, i.e. in this embodiment when the beams 11 a and 11 b are aligned, and a decoupled position in which the first and second portion are separated from each other. In FIG. 11, the second portion 12 is somewhere in between the coupled position and the decoupled position.

In FIG. 12, the first 30 and second 40 supports have been positioned by the actuator system such that the first portion 10 is oriented parallel to the support frame 2, thereby being out of the way for the second portion 12. 

1. A bed comprising: a vertically extending support frame; a bed frame having a proximal end and a distal end opposite to the proximal end, wherein the bed frame is configured to support a mattress; a support and motion system configured to support the bed frame with respect to the support frame and configured to move the bed frame relative to the support frame, wherein the support and motion system comprises: a first support that is moveable along the support frame, which first support is connected to the proximal end of the bed frame; a support beam; a second support that is moveable along the support frame, which second support is connected to an end of the support beam, and wherein an opposite end of the support beam is connected to the bed frame at a location in between the proximal end and the distal end; and an actuator system to independently move the first and second support along the support frame allowing, and wherein the bed is configured such that the bed frame can be positioned in an orientation parallel to the support frame and an orientation perpendicular to the support frame.
 2. A bed according to claim 1, wherein the support frame has a lower end to be positioned on the ground and an upper end opposite the lower end, and wherein in the parallel orientation the first support is at or near the upper end of the support frame and the second support is in between the first support and the lower end of the support frame.
 3. A bed according to claim 1, wherein the bed frame comprises one or more moveable mattress support elements to support the mattress.
 4. A bed according to claim 3, wherein the bed comprises a bed shape adjustment system configured to set a shape of the mattress supported by the one or more moveable mattress support elements by positioning the one or more moveable mattress support elements, respectively.
 5. A bed according to claim 3, wherein the bed comprises a bed pressure adjustment system configured to adjust pressure areas of a mattress used to support a person lying in the bed.
 6. A bed according to claim 1, wherein a length of the bed frame is adjustable.
 7. A bed according to claim 6, wherein the length of the bed frame is adjustable by adjusting a length of a portion of the bed frame at the distal end of the bed frame configured to support the lower legs of a person.
 8. (canceled)
 9. A bed according to claim 6, comprising a footboard at the distal end of the bed frame for delimiting a mattress at the distal end of the bed frame, wherein the footboard is moveable to adjust the length of the bed frame.
 10. A bed according to claim 1, comprising a control unit to drive the support and motion system.
 11. A bed according to claim 10, wherein the control unit is configured to also drive the bed shape adjustment system.
 12. A bed according to claim 10, wherein the control unit is configured to also drive the bed pressure shape adjustment system.
 13. (canceled)
 14. A bed according to claim 1, comprising a mattress supported by the bed frame.
 15. A bed according to claim 7, wherein the mattress comprises a portion configured to support the lower legs of a person, which portion of the mattress has an adjustable length, preferably as a result of having alternating transverse cuts at a lower side of the mattress facing towards the bed frame and at an upper side of the mattress opposite the lower side.
 16. A bed according to claim 14, wherein the mattress comprises a lower mattress and a separate top mattress, wherein a thickness of the lower mattress is significantly larger than a thickness of the top mattress.
 17. A bed according to claim 14, wherein the mattress is provided with one or more sensors configured to measure temperature, pressure, humidity and/or deformation of the mattress.
 18. A bed according to claim 10, wherein the one or more sensors are connected to the control unit to output measurement data to the control unit.
 19. A method for assembling a bed according to claim 1, comprising the following steps: a) mounting the support frame to a support structure; and b) subsequently mounting the support and motion system and the bed frame to the support frame.
 20. A method for using a bed according to claim 1, comprising the following steps: a) providing the bed frame parallel to the support frame; b) moving the bed frame to the orientation perpendicular to the support frame.
 21. A method according to claim 20, wherein the bed frame is positioned into an inclined orientation with the distal end at or near the ground, and the mattress is shaped into a chair to allow a person on the bed to sit upright.
 22. A method according to claim 20, wherein the bed frame is positioned into an inclined orientation with the distal end at or near the ground, and the mattress is shaped such that the feet of a person on the mattress are positioned substantially below a center of gravity of the person and such that the person is in a nearly standing position to allow the person to get in and out of the bed. 